Ed René Kivitz‘s preaching of a “mother god” had intense repercussions in the evangelical environment and the Brazilian Baptist Convention (CBB) was called to act to disaffiliate the Baptist Church of Água Branca (IBAB).
Kivitz spoke about welcome from Psalm 131 when he said that the God who welcomes is not God the Father, as described in the Bible, but rather a “mother god”who nurses those who seek him.
A few years ago Kivitz was expelled from the Order of Baptist Pastors of Brazil (OPBB) for saying that the Bible was insufficient and needed to be updated. However, the punishment received by the pastor did not give rise to a disciplinary process by the CBB against the IBAB, which retained Kivitz as leader.
Renato Vargens, pastor of the Christian Church of the Covenant, used social media to call on the CBB to act on the situation in order to make clear the divergence of the Brazilian Baptists with the theological liberalism of Kivitz and the IBAB:
“In addition to attributing to God what the Bible does not attribute, the Baptist pastor remains steadfast in his desire to rewrite the Scriptures. If this were not enough, Kivitz, dressed in politically correct language, tries to gain the sympathy of some, wearing the hat of the ‘good theologian’,” Vargens wrote, analyzing the position of the IBAB leader.
Vargens also stated that “the teachings of this gentleman have long since ceased to be biblical,” which raises questions about the convention’s position: “The CBB should answer the following question: How long will the IBAB continue to be part of the denomination ? Also because what this gentleman teaches is in no way consistent with Baptist teachings and doctrines”, charged.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Theologian Dr. Amanda Silva
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Amanda Silva! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the recent developments surrounding Ed René Kivitz and his controversial sermon promoting the idea of a “mother god.” This has certainly caused quite a stir in the evangelical community, particularly within the Brazilian Baptist Convention.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! The discussion around Kivitz’s sermon is not only fascinating but also incredibly important in understanding contemporary shifts within evangelicalism.
Editor: Absolutely. Kivitz’s assertion comes from a reading of Psalm 131, where he characterizes God not as the traditional Father figure but rather as a nurturing “mother god.” What do you think motivates such interpretations?
Dr. Silva: Kivitz’s interpretation reflects a broader trend in theology where individuals seek to reframe traditional views of God to be more inclusive. People today are increasingly drawn to metaphors that resonate with their personal experiences of care and support, particularly in a world that feels increasingly fragmented.
Editor: That’s intriguing. However, this has led to significant backlash from the Brazilian Baptist Convention, which has taken steps to disaffiliate the Baptist Church of Água Branca from their network. Why do you think Kivitz’s ideas have elicited such a strong response?
Dr. Silva: The evangelical community often holds tightly to longstanding theological frameworks, and any challenge to the idea of God as Father can be viewed as a threat to traditional beliefs. Kivitz’s statements disrupt not only doctrinal understandings but also the socio-political fabric that defines many institutions within evangelicalism.
Editor: Right, and this isn’t his first controversial stance. He was previously expelled from the Order of Baptist Pastors of Brazil for stating that the Bible is insufficient and needs updating. Given that, how do you think institutions should respond to theological innovations that could provoke divisiveness?
Dr. Silva: Institutions face a dual challenge. On one hand, they need to uphold doctrinal integrity, but on the other, they must navigate theological progress in a way that protects a community’s vitality. Open dialogue and systematic theological exploration could be a way forward rather than strict sanctions, which often lead to more fracturing.
Editor: It sounds like Kivitz’s views, while controversial, reflect some larger tensions within the faith community regarding authority and interpretation of scripture. Do you think this trend will continue?
Dr. Silva: I believe so. As cultural and societal norms shift, religious interpretations will also evolve. The push for inclusivity, like Kivitz’s discussion of a “mother god,” signals a pivotal moment where many believers seek a more compassionate and relatable divinity. However, this will require churches to engage in serious self-reflection about their traditions versus the needs of their congregations.
Editor: A profound observation, indeed. Before we wrap up, what do you think the ultimate outcome of this tumultuous period in Brazilian evangelicalism will be?
Dr. Silva: It will likely force a reckoning within the Baptist Church and similar institutions. Some groups may double down on traditionalism, while others may embrace these progressive views. Either way, the dialogue surrounding God’s nature will continue to evolve as people search for faith representations that truly resonate with their lived experiences.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Silva, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the conversations around theology, interpretation, and community identity are far from over.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! I look forward to watching how these discussions unfold in the future.